SBI Foundation With MSSRF sets New Paradigms in Water Resource Development
The noble purpose of Water for All is being implemented through participatory manner in various villages of Idukki district and getting momentum in the context of changing climatic conditions. A unique programme implemented by SBI Foundation under SBI Gram Seva Program implemented by M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation ensures the sustainability of water resources through access and conservation. Techniques such as onsite water conservation, storage tanks, stream line treatment measures and other agriculturally important techniques could rightly harvest the water. In addition to that the right coordination with District Panchayath, local self-governing bodies and other entities in the district with the people support could ensure quality water for all in the selected villages. The prime focus of the activity is given to KanthalloorGramapanchayath of the district. Theinitiatives have positively impacted more than thousand households across five project villages, in addition to the students, farmers, pedestrians,and several Anganwadis of the district.
The combined efforts could drive transformative change, emphasizing water conservation and safe drinking water, crucial for health and economic well-being. The initiative has also been instrumental in supporting WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) program, ensuring clean water reaches vulnerable communities. Water purifiers have been installed in four schools and five Anganwadis, directly benefiting more than thousand studentsand also improving sanitation and hygiene. Additionally, water storage tanks renovated in many villages such as Kanakkayam and Kulachivayal have been renovated, benefiting more than 200 families to gain access to safe drinking water. The awareness programmes taken up throughout the year could rightly mobilize the community towards water literacy, conservational importance and moved them to protect water.
The partnership has also focused on water conservation to mitigate the effects of climate change and address water scarcity. Restoring irrigation canals, renovating water tanks, infiltration systems, check dams, and canals at Perumala, Puthoor and Kanakkayam is boosting groundwater recharge and benefiting over five hundred farm families. The collaboration between SBI Foundation and MSSRF highlights the critical importance of community-driven solutions for water accessibility and conservation. As we mark World Water Day, the initiative serves as a reminder of the collective action needed to protect our most vital resource for future generations said Smt Shakeela,Director MSSRF. The climate change is a global phenomenon with local manifestations in which the impact on water should be addressed in the first place he added.
Shri. Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director of SBI Foundation shared, “Water is the most critical component of the human life, particularly the agrarian communities. Watershed development and promotion of sustainable water management practices have been key focus areas of our Gram Seva program. We are pleased to see the positive impact of our efforts in partnership with M S Swaminathan Research Foundation in Idukki District and we believe that the local communities continue to take the ownership of the interventions in the future.”